With fans unable to attend training camp in 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers offer a practice report every day, written by the few members of the media who can watch the session every day. So far, two reports have been published of the two padded practices out of 14 the Steelers will hold for their Week 1 game against the New York Giants on Monday, September 14th.
Of those reports, which players are getting the most buzz so far? Is there anyone who has attended the limited media on one or both days? Here are eight of the players highlighted and some of the things that have been said about them.
Ben Roethlisberger
Of course, the Steelers franchise quarterback will be the talk of the town coming out of the elbow operation. Not only was Rothlisberger talked about in many of his drills, he was specifically mentioned in connection with a pass to Chase Claypool in the end zone on Monday, as well as re-establishing his relationship with JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday.
TJ Watt
The Steelers’ Defensive Player of the Year nominee from last season made his presence known on Monday by appearing in the ‘backs on backers’ drill and following up with some approach in the 11-on-11 period. Watt was also named Tuesday by working with rookie linebacker Alex Highsmith and teaching him some footwork before later coming into practice in “close deals” with Zach Banner.
Vance McDonald
One game of note on Monday was Vance McDonald who had a deep-fought catch on the sideline against Terrell Edmunds.
Terrell Edmunds
Speaking of Edmunds, although he gave the catch to McDonald on Monday, he was specifically reprimanded on Tuesday for having some big hits during the team period as well as drills. It was also noted that Edmunds also had a fun day at the practice on Monday.
Chase Claypool
As mentioned with Ben Roethlisberger, Chase Claypool made a leaping catch from Roethlisberger in the corner of the end zone, which also drew the praise of cornerback Joe Haden. Claypool followed it up with another catch from Rothlisberger on Tuesday described as “a nice twist and catch on a back shoulder fade.”
Ryan Switzer
In Tuesday’s report, Ryan Switzer was noted for making a nice 10-yard touchdown catch from Roethlisberger.
Zach Banner
Tuesday’s report brought a number of issues related to Zach Banner. The already mentioned ‘close agreements’ with TJ Watt came after Banner had a fun drill that blocked Bud Dupree, Henry Mondeaux and Carlos Davis all on several occasions.
Saeed Blacknall
The traveling wide receiver from Penn State was noted in Tuesday’s practice for making “an impressive special team stop” that caught the eye of both Mike Tomlin and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
UPDATE: In a roster version announced Friday, Blacknall was released as team wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud signed.
Although there are several plays that can be highlighted by each particular exercise, this was a brief summary of specific things noted by the media present. While it does not give the same feeling as being a training camp and seeing the players themselves, getting some news about some of our favorite members of the black and gold is better than nothing.
